Andy Murray has been forced to withdraw from the ATP World Tour Finals at London’s O2 Arena this week because of a groin injury, with Serbian star Janko Tipsarevic replacing him.

Distraught: Andy Murray (Picture: Action Images)

Murray had to be treated for a groin strain during his opening match of the tournament against Spaniard David Ferrer on Monday, which he lost in straight sets.

Speculation had grown throughout Tuesday that Murray would be forced to withdraw from the tournament on home soil because of the problem – especially after he missed his practice slot at 1pm on Tuesday.

And, at a press conference later in the day, the disappointed Scot confirmed the news.

‘It’s a really difficult decision to make because it’s one of the best tournaments in the year to play and it’s something that you also work all year to play here, as well,’ he said.

‘There was no real positive sort of coming out and playing because yesterday I was really unhappy on the court.

‘I wasn’t enjoying it at all. This is one of the best tournaments in the year, one that I think me and all of the players look forward to playing.

‘I couldn’t give anywhere near my best, so that’s what was disappointing. It would probably do myself more damage by playing than not.’

Murray’s replacement Tipsarevic will make his debut at the tournament against Czech Tomas Berdych on Wednesday afternoon.

He will also face world number one Novak Djokovic in the final round-robin match of his group on Friday.